salted caramel cashew latte

Good friends, I’ve decided, are like salted caramel cashew lattes: They’re sweet, unique, nice to hang out with and give you that added pick-me-up you need to get through the day. And you want to spend as much time with them as possible.

This past week has been so good for my soul. Between a few social gatherings with girlfriends, my husband having the week off of work and these lattes coming into existence, it’s been a bright spot in an otherwise dreary winter (but we’re not talking about that, remember?). It’s just been one of those times when I am extra grateful for the good in my life, you know? That I have my health, a supportive family, sweet friends and a roof over my head. I never want to take these things for granted.

That especially goes for my health. Because I am the worst at handling even the slightest inkling of illness, I make every effort to achieve balance in my diet so I can stay healthy and, therefore, be my best self in all other avenues of my life. You know hangry? Oh, do I know hangry. I also know under-caffeinated, which is equally unpretty, and so I do my best to avoid both at all times.

That’s what I love about these salted caramel cashew lattes, which are made with the new Silk Cashewmilk. I mean yes, I love the caffeinated boost they give, obvi, but they’re also the perfect match between decadent and light. There is an added level of goodness from the delicious flavor and creaminess imparted by the cashews in the Cashewmilk, along with the added calcium and vitamin D it provides. Combine that with homemade salted caramel sauce, a splash of espresso and a dollop of whipped cream and it’s easy to understand why I’ve been drinking these every afternoon for the last few days (I’m looking at you, 3 p.m., my new favorite time of day).

We’ve also been enjoying Cashewmilk poured over cereal, stirred into our regular morning java and straight from the carton. Because not only is its creamy taste and texture irresistible, it provides 50% more calcium than dairy milk with only 60 calories per serving (25% less than skim milk)*. I call that a win in both taste and treat-yo-self departments.

About that caramel sauce: don’t be intimidated about making your own. TRUST, it’s so much better than the storebought version and it’s really easy to make. I’ve never been able to make it without adding water to the mix. Some people can make caramel by heating sugar alone in a pan without making it burn; I am not those people and maybe you aren’t, either. It’s cool. We’ve still got this.

The trick, I’ve found, is to hold the pan’s handle and carefully rotate the pan above the heat on the stovetop to even out the caramelization of the sugar. It’s also helpful to use a wet pastry brush to brush down any sugar that begins to crystallize along the inside of the pan; that way, the end result doesn’t have any residual bits of sugar and is just smooth, buttery, salted caramel-y goodness. And yes, the recipe makes a good 1 1/2 cups of sauce so you have extra to pour on your ice cream/popcorn/spoon that goes directly to your mouth. YOU’RE WELCOME.

Or, you can do as I do and use it to make this drink for you and someone you love every day of the week. Because one thing that’s better than spending time with a good friend or family member is doing so over a creamy, sweet and salty, oh-so-tasty latte.

Swooooon, salted caramel! My boyfriend has the week off of med school right now, and it’s so nice to do absolutely nothing together. Hoping you have a great rest of your week with your hubby and kiddo 🙂

Totally agree that homemade caramel is THE BEST!!! Love it. I also love what you’re doing with the cashew milk. I love my soy and almond…but cashew…I’m intrigued. I’m going to have to get some and try. The above recipe looks sinfully delicious!! xx

I’m so disappointed in Australia right now. Why can you not stock Silk products?! I feel like I’m missing out on this new cashew milk phenomenon! You can bet I’ll be drinking a TON of these when I return to Canada. Great recipe, Steph! Can’t wait to try it!

Cashew milk sounds intriguing! I don’t know if we get it over here in Australia yet, but I’m definitely going to have a look. And I could use one of these delicious lattes right now! It’s just hit 3pm and I’ve got under-caffeinated disease brewing (pun totally intended) 🙂

I’ve been dreaming about a caramel latte ALL morning, but I’m too cold and lazy to drive to the coffee shop to get one, wish I had the fixings for one of these. 100x healthier and I wouldn’t have to leave my house! Plus they look infinitely better…

I seriously think heaven must look like these lattes! Salted caramel is my favorite flavor on the planet & I’ll be making these every day at 3pm toasting you and this fabulous recipe – many thanks for sharing:)